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            Vision.   Purpose.   Mission.

Are these things really important? Do we really need a VPM?  Will having a VPM change how we live life? I have been pondering these and similar questions for weeks.  Through a life coaching class, we were challenged to figure out our life VPM.  What a daunting task this has been!

This morning, I was reading and the story connected with my work on VPM and what I accomplished this week. Yes! Officially completed the VPM challenge.  Done. Rah-Rah, fist bump, boom boom!

Anyway, here was the connection and learning. I was reading about Paul, in Acts 26. Short summary: Paul had a vision, a purpose and a mission!  “Hmmm, VPM must be important and needed to live with intention, huh?”

My ponderings began. Paul’s journey in Acts 26 reminded me of my recent journey into Life Coaching.  Life coaching was not something I set out to do…it randomly came up in a random conversation at a random moment. In those “randoms,” I believe a vision of sorts was birthed in me. My life path shifted.  Like Paul, his life journey shifted because of a heavenly vision. Paul sure didn’t start out being a radical follower of Jesus….remember, he was mean, really mean, to people who believed in and followed Jesus.

After the vision, it was like Paul knew that he knew (he believed) there was a purpose for his life.  The story basically says, he stood up on his feet to do what was laid before him, embraced the vision and became willing to do it.  Well, I can’t say that I just jumped to my feet and embraced my vision, willingly; but I did stand up and took baby steps forward.  I wonder if Paul doubted or wavered.  I know that I have. However, the baby steps taken have reinforced that I do have a purpose for the season that I am now living.  Despite the obstacles and my own self-sabotaged thinking, I have continued to step forward with a “do it” attitude (most of the time), just like Paul.

Paul knew his “what, why and where.”  Paul was sent to be a servant and witness to those who needed forgiveness and a Savior.  This was his mission and he began doing it!  Living intentionally. Don’t you just want to holler, “Go Paul?”

Crazy as it is, I know my “what, why and where,” for this season of life. It’s time for the action.  I bet Paul was scared and discouraged, just like me.  But Paul kept the heavenly VPM in front of his eyes! Paul’s life encourages me to keep stepping; to keep trusting; to act; and to keep God’s VPM for my life in front of my eyes.  Despite my fears, doubts and discouragement, I am learning almost daily what it means to discover and live with vision and purpose. And that kind of excites me!

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,”  declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Questions: Do you desire to live like Paul knowing your “what, why and where?” What can you do to discover them?  Are you willing? 

Who doesn’t love a white elephant exchange at a family Christmas? This year, our family received some funny things. One was Soap Nuts. Laughs abounded when this gift was opened by my 13-year-old son. His bewildered look was priceless and then his response, “Soap Nuts? What are these?” And, I bet some of you just CACKLED and asked the same question.

At the end of the family gathering, we threw all of our goofy gifts in a bag and headed home. Next day, I pulled everything out and set it on the table. I was intrigued by the little brown nuts in the recycled bag, with the “how to use” instructions, which were purchased from a Christian mission organization.

After checking them out, I must admit I was pretty skeptical about throwing out my Tide and being sold out on using Soap Nuts for my detergent. I began to Google, research and learn about Soap Nuts. To my amazement, there were many sites about these little nuts and there multiple uses. I watched a couple of videos, while my husband murmured something like, “not real and won’t work.” These little coated nuts could be used for detergent, shampoo, housecleaners and more. They were said to be hypoallergenic, natural and organic. After the research, I was less skeptical, and more willing to try them in a load. I must admit, I love (really love) the smell of Tide and that was a con of Soap Nuts. All sites said “your clothes will not have that fresh smell.” Despite that and my still skeptic thinking, I followed the directions, threw a few nuts in the mesh bag and hit start on my washing machine. My willingness turned into action and my clothes actually appeared to be clean.

I am becoming a believer in the power of Soap Nuts. I have washed many loads since and periodically grab some Tide for a load just to enjoy that smell. And, I still use Downey and that appeases my senses…“april fresh” clothes, sheets and towels! Aaaahhhh….
I can’t just run to Meijer or that W-place and grab Soap Nuts, so don’t know how long I will use them. But for now, you will find my little mesh back packed and ready for the next cycle.

My 3 ah-ha moments from the Soap Nuts: Learning transforms my skeptical thinking/mindset; trying new things can be fun and empowering; and, I will be buying Soap Nuts for the next white elephant exchange!

And, final thought…there is a spiritual lesson for me too. At times, I have been skeptical and unwilling in my faith journey. But when I finally acted or stepped or obeyed into the “new thing,” it has been fun and empowering; AND, I have experienced God in a new way…just as He intended.

Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Questions: What new thing can you do or try in the next 30 days? Is there something that you want to learn? Are you being nudged to step or act? Don’t allow skepticism to hold you back. Have courage, and act…new things are part of living well!

A few weeks ago, I set up and activated a LinkedIN account.  I am in the process of starting my life coaching business, so joining LinkedIN seemed like a “professional” next right step.  Unsure and a little nervous, I filled in the blanks, made up a summary, noted my experiences and completed the other pages.  Then, the clicking began…invites galore to link with “my people or tribe.”  It was fun and, I must say, a little exhilarating inviting people to connect with me on LinkedIN.

Fast forward to today, Halloween 2012.  It was cold and spitting snow, so running outside was out.  I jumped in the car and headed to the YMCA.  Popped in the ear buds and loaded up a sermon so I could exercise and learn (yes, multi-tasker here). Exercise is much more exciting, if I can learn too!  Jumped on the elliptical, and hit play. The message was really good, but what jumped out was the pastor’s use of the words “linked in.” And he wasn’t referencing the network of “LinkedIN.” He used the words two different times and each time, despite panting, sweating and thinking 10 more minutes, 10 more minutes, the words, “linked in,” resonated in my ears and my mind started whirling.

My whirling thoughts:

I have been very intrigued by social media and networking and how it allows me to connect with people, family and friends, all over the world and for various reasons and purposes.  I am a user of many: FB, Twitter, Instagram, Stumble, LinkedIn.  Social media is fun for me; it facilitates my learning, lets me encourage and be encouraged and will, I believe, help me grow a coaching business.  Networking excites me, and you must know, it’s a balancing act for me to not let it consume me and my time!  Anyway, I believe that my networks are important and will absolutely serve a purpose, if I use them wisely.

All that to say, those words “linked in” made me stop and think about God and my being “linked in” with Him…to HIS network.

I realized, I could have the biggest LinkedIN network out there and that would be great, because to be honest that would make me feel pretty darn important and feed my little prideful-ego that I battle daily.  Goodness, the energy I have spent focusing on how to “grow” my network…all for me.  If Jesus isn’t my biggest, primary network, I will be living my life for me, selfishly and prideful, while performing, and attempting to do, be and build for reasons and purposes that will not align with God’s.

My LinkedIN lesson today:  Each day, before I go off, head out and do what I do, my own agenda, plans and selfish desires, I must make some choices.  First, make the choice to lay aside my networking gadgets.  Next, make the choice to take a deep breath, grab my Bible, journal and pen.  Finally, to login to my “JesusLINK” account first; then be still before Him, to allow Him to encourage, teach, and direct my steps for the day.

I am reminded that God desires relationship with me and apart from Him I can do nothing.

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant.”  John 15:5 MSG

Questions: What are your thoughts about being “linked in” with Jesus, as your first go-to network?  And if you haven’t connected yet, are you willing to send an invite to be “LinkedIN”?

I just wanted to share this article that defines Professional Life Coaching.  The writer of the article is the President/CEO of the Institute where I am taking my classes to become a Life Coach. 

Life Coaching became a “word” in the Merriam Webster dictionary in the last few days.  However, it was not an appropriate definition as defined by the ICF, which is the regulatory body of Life Coaches.  I just wanted to share this to help educate others on the role of a “Coach.”  My hope is that ordinary people like me and you, pastors, professionals and lay people will come to understand what Professional Christian Coaching is and see the value in the service Coaching can offer.  I will look forward to any of your thoughts and to keeping me in mind for referrals in the future!

http://iccaonline.net/2012/08/19/webster-defines-life-coaching-and-gets-it-wrong/.

Have a great week and feel free to share this with others!

Goodness this blogging set up is almost overwhelming.  I am learning the in’s and out’s, but who knows what I have really set up. Am hopeful that I have some of it correct.  If you notice anything that might be questionable, please send me a note or comment.

According to Michael Hyatt, this should take 20 minutes to do.  Well, I guess that isn’t quite accurate for this novice blogger. But, hey i am typing a post so some things are working!

The alarm has rung.  I am now heading off to my Life Coaching class. Love the learning that is happening there.  Be on the look out for another post to come soon.  I really need to share about my bike wreck last night.  Mercy!

I have actually set up the function to Blog via email. Let’s see if it works. Hitting send now…

Tammy

Attempting to enter the blogging world.  It’s a little overwhelming, but am going to try and have fun with the learning!

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